Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manistique on the church's 125th anniversary. Members of the congregation selected the following passage as their theme for this historic anniversary, ``We have no mission but to serve in full obedience to our Lord; to care for all, without reserve, and spread his liberating word.'' It is a mission this congregation has been carrying out successfully for 125 years.

Zion Lutheran was founded on August 15, 1885 by missionary pastor J.J. Maakestad. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the church's founding coincided with the decision in 1885 by the lumber community of Epsport to officially change its name to Manistique. Originally called the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 19 Swedish families totaling 65 individuals comprised Zion Lutheran's original congregation. By 1906 the congregation had already outgrown the original church built by J.J. Maakestad, and that year the present church was constructed at a cost of $10,143.

Services at Zion Lutheran continued to be held in Swedish until 1947. Over the last century and a quarter, 20 pastors have served Zion Lutheran and the congregation elected its first women to the Church Council in 1974. The first lay person to serve as president of the Church Council was elected in 1979.

Members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church reach out to those in need with open arms and a strong sense of community. The congregation sponsors Boy Scout Troop #400 and Cub Scout Troop #402 and it has been involved with local Habitat for Humanity efforts. Zion Lutheran is also active in Lutheran World Relief and its members make an average of 250 quilts a year to be distributed to hospitals, orphanages and the sites of natural disasters to help those in need. In February 2002, the church began the ``Sharing Prayers Ministry'' program, which provides a homemade lap robe, or prayer shawl, to church members who are going through a stressful or difficult period in their life.

As a member of the Great Lakes Synod, Zion Lutheran has formed a cultural and spiritual fellowship with its sister congregation, Magomeni Lutheran Church in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This includes an exchange of letters from Sunday schools classrooms, luncheons featuring foods from Tanzania, and this past fall two members of Zion Lutheran travelled to visit Magomeni Lutheran Church, bringing the Upper Peninsula to Tanzania.

Madam Speaker, the spirit and principles that are intrinsic to the Upper Peninsula can be found throughout the history of this church and the actions of its congregation. Over the past 125 years, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manistique has shared the joy of the Lord with the community of Manistique and with open arms has reached out to those in need. For these many blessings, Madam Speaker I ask that you, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, join me in recognizing Pastor Dave Hueter and the members of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manistique on its 125th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, today's legislation clearly demonstrates the differences between the two parties. Congressional Republicans have made their choice clear. The GOP is calling for an extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest few and saddling Americans with nearly $700 billion in debt versus our Democratic paid-for bill that creates and maintains 310,000 jobs for hardworking Americans.

Our legislation will save or create more than 310,000 American jobs for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and nurses. These funds are needed now to prevent layoffs and actually rehire teachers and prevent law enforcement officers from losing their jobs

Bottom line is congressional Republicans would rather extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest few and saddle Americans with a $700 billion debt. Our Democratic legislation is fully paid for by closing costly corporate tax loopholes that allow corporations to shift American jobs overseas. Democrats are moving America forward while the congressional Republicans want to take us back to the exact same failed policies of the Bush administration that drove us into this economic ditch.

I rise to thank Chairwoman Slaughter and Chairman Rahall for accepting my amendment reaffirming the permanent ban on oil and gas drilling the in and under the Great Lakes.

I also want to thank Chairman Miller for joining with me in adding protections from bad actors that pollute the environment, endanger worker safety and threaten the health and welfare of the public.

This legislation prevents these bad corporate actors from being awarded Federal leases and drilling permits. Whether it's BP in the Gulf of Mexico or Enbridge pipeline in Michigan, we need to give Federal regulators the flexibility to prevent oil companies with poor safety and environmental records from accessing our natural resources in reckless disregard for safety and our environment.

As chair of the Energy and Commerce Oversight Investigation Subcommittee, I have held four hearings on the Deepwater Horizon spill and uncovered serious problems of how BP cut corners to save money that led to the gulf oil spill. This legislation begins to correct these problems, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and achievements of Elmer Leon Dagenais of Escanaba, Michigan. Elmer was beloved by his large family, countless friends and was an Escanaba legend. He was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and an active member of the community throughout his 93 years.

Born on January 30, 1917, just blocks from where his store Elmer's County Market currently stands, Elmer was the son of John and Alexina (Benoit) Dagenais. Elmer started working for his father as a young boy, running moonshine and working at the family gas station in Brimley. When Elmer was 17 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), leading to his involvement in a peace time army program with the goal of protecting the nation's natural resources. Elmer attributed his lifelong belief in hard work and respect for others to his time in the

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the men and women who showed bravery and perseverance in fighting the Meridian Boundary and Range 9 Fires in northern Michigan's Crawford County and surrounding areas in May of this year. Through their impressive efforts the fire's damage was contained with minimal loss of structures and no loss of life.

On May 18, two separate forest fires broke out only two counties apart--one in Crawford County and the other on land within Camp Grayling's Range No. 9 near the border of Crawford and Kalkaska Counties. Federal, State and local agencies worked together, managing the two fires as one single complex. In total, 16 local fire departments worked alongside members of the Michigan Army Reserve National Guard and State and federal forest management officials, to have the fire 95 percent contained within 8 days.

In all, nearly ten thousand acres were impacted by the fires, with 12 residences destroyed and 6 residences damaged. These firefighters and responders acted with expertise in the field and crews worked around the clock to fight and contain the blaze. Without their determined efforts and quick response the situation on the ground likely would have been far worse.

Agencies involved in containing the Meridian Boundary and Range 9 Fires were: South Branch Township Fire Department, Higgins Township Fire Department, Frederic Township Fire Department, Beaver Creek Township Fire Department, Grayling Fire Department, Lovells Township Fire Department, Luzerne-Big Creek Township Fire Department, Tri-Town Fire Department, Merritt Fire Rescue Department, Clam Union Fire Department, Lake Missaukee Area Fire Department, McBain Fire Department, Lake City Fire Department, Otsego County Fire Department, Otsego Lake Township Fire Department, Vanderbilt Corwith Fire and Rescue, Michigan Army Reserve National Guard, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Forest Management Division and USDA Forest Service, Mio Ranger District.

Madam Speaker, the men and women of these agencies did excellent work controlling and containing the Meridian Boundary and Range 9 forest fires and keeping people in the surrounding communities safe. Therefore, I ask that you, and all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, join me in recognizing their service, honoring their bravery, and thanking them for the heroic job they did in fighting these fires.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today to honor the career and dedicated service of Ron Gettelfinger, who recently retired from his post as president of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Mr. Gettelfinger was elected to lead UAW in 2002 after many years in national and local roles in the union.

During his tenure as president, he led UAW through the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression; through the restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler; and through multiple negotiations and bargaining agreements.

The past two years were a challenging time for the domestic auto industry, and especially for autoworkers. As two of Detroit's ``Big 3'' automakers entered bankruptcy, Mr. Gettelfinger fought to ensure the millions of UAW workers and retirees received the best deal possible under excruciatingly difficult circumstances.

During his tenure, Mr. Gettelfinger was a steadfast supporter of workers' rights. He has been a tireless advocate for workers on key policy issues, such as trade and health care.

Ron Gettelfinger has been a strong advocate of renewing America's industrial base, especially the manufacturing sector, because he recognizes that good-paying manufacturing jobs are critical to a strong middle class, and a strong middle class is key to a healthy economy.

American workers need more leaders committed to the future of our domestic manufacturing base. Mr. Gettelfinger, thank you for your work on behalf of UAW and the American worker. I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring your commitment to workers in Michigan and throughout the country. On behalf of UAW workers and retirees everywhere, I wish you well in retirement and all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, starting this week, tax-free rebate checks of $250 will be sent to seniors who have already hit the part D doughnut hole. This $250 rebate is a key improvement to Medicare and the first Medicare benefit of the new health care reform law to take effect.

These rebates are being sent out 3 months ahead of schedule, and the first round of checks will reach nearly 80,000 seniors who are already in the doughnut hole. Following this initial round of rebate checks, additional checks will be sent to seniors as they hit the doughnut hole. It's estimated that 4 million seniors across the country will receive a $250 rebate check this year.

This is just a first phase of relief for seniors from prescription drug costs. Next year, seniors in the doughnut hole will see a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs.

While the Medicare part D prescription drug program has helped millions of seniors obtain prescription drug coverage, seniors who fall into the doughnut hole and receive no financial assistance with their prescription drugs are often forced to put their health in danger by splitting pills or skipping treatments altogether to save on costs.

Despite the clear benefits to seniors from the health care reform legislation, Republican leaders have now made it a priority to repeal this landmark law, which will take away these prescription drug cost savings and other benefits for seniors and millions of Americans. It is now time that we implement further reform.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, May 24, 2010 and Friday, May 28, 2010, I was absent for votes due to family commitments. Had I been present, I would have voted on the following:

House rollcall vote 291--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 292--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 293--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 324--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 325--I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 326--I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 327-- I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 328--I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 329--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 330--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 331--I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 332--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 333--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 334--I would have voted ``yes''; House rollcall vote 335--I would have voted ``no''; House rollcall vote 336--I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital as it celebrates its 60th anniversary serving residents in Schoolcraft County and across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is known both for the quality of care it provides and its leadership role in keeping the community active and healthy.

Located along Lake Michigan's northern shores in Manistique, Michigan, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed progressive critical access hospital, offering comprehensive medical and surgical care, health care in 30 specialties including cardiology and neurology, a 24-hour physician staffed emergency room, a walk-in clinic, physical and occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and a wide range of diagnostic services. It has also opened a number of clinics throughout Schoolcraft County, as well as a fitness center to increase access to health care services and improve health and wellness in the community and surrounding areas.

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital's excellence has been widely recognized. The hospital received the Michigan Center for Rural Health's 2009 Michigan Rural Health Quality Improvement Award--Award for Excellence for its work to improve care processes in the treatment of heart failure and pneumonia and emergency room transfers. It also was named a 2008 ``Hero for the Uninsured'' by the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition. These awards highlight Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital's commitment to continuously improving the care it provides and its dedication to serving the community.

However, the physicians, staff and administrators of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital are not known to rest on their laurels. Rather, they are steadfast in looking ahead to the hospital's future growth and improvements. Whether it's the acquisition of new rehab equipment, like the ``omnicycle;'' converting electronic medical records to email to save money and space; upgrading current facilities to include a new CT scan room, triage room and emergency room treatment room; or working towards the development and construction of a brand new replacement facility, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital strives to provide its patients with the most positive experience and effective treatment possible.

Madam Speaker, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital provides its patients with hometown familiarity combined with state-of-the-art services. Over the years, it has continued to innovate, grow and provide critical health care services to Schoolcraft County. Therefore, I ask Madam Speaker, that you, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, join me in recognizing Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital on its 60th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the city of Manistique, Michigan on its 150th anniversary. On June 19, 2010 the residents of Manistique will celebrate this sesquicentennial anniversary along with a color guard, presentations from local, state and federal officials and entertainment for all.

Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the waves of Lake Michigan meet the currents of the Manistique River, the city's history is one of commerce, ingenuity and immense pride. The small settlement on the Manistique River had no name until 1860 when Charles Harvey built a small dam on the river to power a sawmill. Initially named Epsport, after his wife's family name of Eps, the name was changed to Manistique in 1885. The name Manistique was adapted from a Native American word for vermillion, because of the reddish tint of the river's water.

Development of the area began in 1872 when Abijah Weston bought the Chicago Lumber company and brought it to Manistique. Manistique was ideally situated to take advantage of the timber industry boom from the 1880s through the 1920s. As a lumber transfer town, timber that was cut further north was sent down the Manistique River, sorted at Manistique and then sent by boats across Lake Michigan to towns for processing. The use of water transportation was vital for the survival of the community--until 1888 when the Soo Line Railroad began to serve the Manistique area, the only way to reach the city was over water.

As the timber industry declined, limestone production and the pulp and paper mill, along with tourism following World War II, became the area's major industries.

Still standing as a testament to the vibrant history of Manistique are the 200-foot brick water tower built in 1921-22 when the municipal water system was installed and ``Siphon Bridge,'' an engineering marvel built in 1916 which allowed the Manistique Pulp and Paper Company to maintain the river's water level several feet above the bridge's roadbed to support a ``floating bridge.'' The East Breakwater Light at the mouth of the river guided Lake Michigan vessels with its Fourth Order Fresnel Lens at the east end of the harbor beginning in 1917. More recently, a boardwalk nearly two miles long was constructed along the shoreline offering access to East Breakwater Light, picnic grounds, a fishing pier, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Today, Manistique provides residents and visitors alike with some of the best natural surroundings the Upper Peninsula has to offer. During summer months there is hiking in the Hiawatha National Forest, swimming in Lake Michigan and canoeing down the Manistique River. Winters bring up to 71 inches of snow for cross country skiers to glide through trails around Indian Lake and snowmobilers and sledders who want to try their hand at ``Thunder Bowl.''

Madam Speaker, Manistique is a city rich in history and natural beauty. From the humble beginnings of a small sawmill situated on the shores of Lake Michigan the city and its residents have grown and evolved into a premier destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Madam Speaker, as residents celebrate this sesquicentennial milestone, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring the city of Manistique on its 150th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a true Michigan legend, Lawrence A. Rubin, the father of the Mackinac Bridge. Through his hard work and unbridled passion, Larry was at the heart of funding and building the Mackinac Bridge. It was with a heavy heart that I learned of his passing on May 11 at the age of 97, but I know that Larry's spirit will live on each time someone makes their first trip across that five mile expanse of concrete and steel suspended over the sparkling blue waters of the straits separating Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Although he was born December 7, 1912 in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, we Michiganders count Larry as one of our own. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1934 with a degree in business. In addition to his studies, Larry played on Michigan's football team serving as a backup to future President Gerald Ford. After graduating, Larry opened an advertising agency and held several transportation focused positions before being appointed as Executive Secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority in 1950.

The building of the Mackinac Bridge was by no means non- controversial, and Larry was a key player in negotiating both the funding and construction phases of this expensive and expansive project. He not only attracted investors to purchase the bonds needed to fund construction of the bridge, but he also worked to make sure those bonds were repaid.

Larry's vision for the Mackinac Bridge extended beyond simply making transportation between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas more convenient. From the beginning he recognized its potential to draw vacationers and tourists to the area. At five miles from shore to shore, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world in 1955 with 46-story tall towers stretching to the sky. Whether driving in daylight over the churning waters of the Straits of Mackinac or under the illumination of its thousands of lights at night, the trip across the Mackinac Bridge is a captivating experience.

One of the best known traditions of the Mackinac Bridge is the Labor Day Bridge Walk. This too can be traced to Larry, who organized the first Bridge Walk in June, 1958. The following year the Mackinac Bridge Walk was moved to Labor Day weekend. Larry's talent for accomplishing big things was again recognized--the Bridge Walk has grown from 68 participants its first year to an average of 50,000-65,000 participants.

Larry may have officially retired from the Bridge Authority in 1983, but even in retirement he continued his involvement with the bridge, writing two books about the Mighty Mac, participating each year in the Labor Day Bridge Walk and even building his home overlooking the straits to allow him to see his beloved bridge each and every day.

It was Larry's unfailing energy that ensured the success not only of the Mackinac Bridge, but in each endeavor he set out to do. He was active in the St. Ignace community, serving as director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association, chairman of the Mackinac Straits Hospital board and as a founder and board member of the local library. He was an avid downhill skier, and could be found hitting the slopes until he was 90.

Madam Speaker, it is difficult to envision how the Mackinac Bridge would exist today without the drive and the vision of Larry Rubin. The bridge is a lasting symbol of a unified Michigan and for this we owe our heartfelt thanks and Michigan pride to Larry. With his passing, Michigan has lost an icon and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Elma and their family. Therefore Madam Speaker, I ask that you, and all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, join me in honoring the life and accomplishments of Lawrence A. Rubin--the great champion and father of the Mackinac Bridge.

Mr. Chair, I urge Members to support the Dingell/Stupak/ Miller amendment to H.R. 5136, the Defense Authorization Act. I wish to thank my colleagues Congressmen Dingell and Miller for their work to bring this amendment to the floor.

As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I held a hearing in 2007 on the contaminated water wells at Camp Lejeune and how the Department of Defense did not appropriately respond to the discovery of volatile organic compounds within the drinking water from 1957 to 1987.

During the hearing, we listened to soldiers formerly stationed at Camp Lejeune who, along with members of their families who lived on the base, have encountered significant health problems they believe is tied to their exposure to TCE, PCE, benzene and other toxins.

These volatile organic compounds may be the cause of increased incidences of cancer and birth defects among women, children, employees, and soldiers stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Because Camp Lejeune is a Superfund site, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, is responsible for conducting health studies to determine the connections between the contaminated drinking water and incidences of cancer and birth defects.

Now, even after more than six years of data discovery efforts by ATSDR, a complete record of available data necessary for ATSDR's health studies appears to remain incomplete.

This situation is unacceptable and I hope my colleagues will support our amendment to send a clear message that Congress expects this issue to be resolved expeditiously.

Our amendment requires the Navy to provide ATSDR with a complete inventory of all relevant data by putting in place additional personnel with experience and expertise in water modeling and environmental engineering who will work with ATSDR to bring this matter to a close.

This information sharing task is a shared goal between the agencies because it will ensure the scientific accuracy of the health studies ATSDR is tasked with completing.

I ask Members to support our amendment and send a clear signal on what we expect from Federal agencies in responding to our service men and women who have suffered from the Camp Lejeune legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Donald Oetman of Allegan as he retires from the International Union UAW after 45 years of loyal and dedicated service as a member and officer of the United Auto Workers. Since 2002, Don has served as director of UAW Region 1D, a vast district covering 62 counties that spans western, central and northern regions of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. During his service he has been a committed and enthusiastic voice for the working men and women and retirees of UAW Region 1D.

In 1963, shortly after graduating high school, Don went to work at Micromatic Textron in Holland, Michigan. Two years later, Don served as a member on the committee of plant workers that came together to form their own UAW local union--UAW Local 1502. Not only did these union supporters win the organizing drive, they also successfully negotiated the first contract with management.

Don quickly rose within the UAW when he was asked to serve as vice president of the newly formed UAW Local 1502, becoming president in 1967. Don was also chosen as bargaining chairperson of his local, in addition to his duties as president. He served in these capacities until 1984 when he was appointed by UAW President Owen Bieber and Director Robert Fliearman to the International Union UAW staff as a service representative of the Region 1D staff. Don went on to serve as assistant director to the 1D region from 1995-2002 and was elected director of Region 1D in 2002, and re-elected in 2006.

From the beginning, Don has understood the importance of community and has been active throughout the labor community and his community in West Michigan. He has served on the board of directors for several community organizations, including the Michigan Association of United Ways, the Red Cross, and the Michigan State University Labor Studies program. He also serves on the Muskegon and Kalamazoo Labor/Management Joint Participation Committees, the Workforce Development Board for Allegan and Kent Counties, the Coalition for Labor Union Women, and was a Local Union Discussion Leader for the Stewards/Committeemen training and for high school labor studies classes.

It is indicative of Don's big heart and giving nature that when he looks back over the past 45 years, he considers his greatest accomplishment as having served so many UAW members, retirees and their families. He was especially fond of telling the stories of the UAW in days past to the young staff he worked with, and in sharing this history Don has helped to pass his knowledge and enthusiasm onto the next generation of UAW leaders. For Don, it truly is the people within the UAW family that have made his many years with the UAW so rewarding.

While he is closing one chapter in his life, Don is looking forward to another that includes being at home with his wife Corlyn and helping with the yard work, spending more time with his three children and his grandchildren, enjoying a few more rounds of golf, and doing some fishing. He will also stay active in his church and the Allegan Democratic Party.

Madam Speaker, Don has made a lifetime of contributions to organized labor and his community, looking out for the best interests of workers across Michigan. He has exceeded the call to service in his professional and personal life, demonstrating leadership by example for generations of UAW members. Therefore Madam Speaker, I ask that you, and all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, join me in honoring UAW Region 1D Director Donald Oetman and congratulating him on his retirement from International Union UAW.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Boy Scouts of America on their 100th anniversary and to pay tribute to the impact scouting has had on the lives of countless young men over the past century. As members of the Hiawathaland Council in Michigan's Upper Peninsula gather this weekend to celebrate the Boy Scouts' centennial, I

ask that the U.S. House of Representatives join me in commemorating 100 years of scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America was created on February 8, 1910 with a purpose of teaching young men patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred values. By 1912, Boy Scouts were in every state, and in 1916 Congress granted the Boy Scouts of America a federal charter.

Across the country, every Boy Scouts council commits each scout to perform 12 hours of community service a year, totaling 30 million hours of community service annually. In addition to the commitment young men show to scouting, more than 1 million adult scout leaders are selflessly serving young people in their communities through organizations chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.

As an Eagle Scout myself, I have a special appreciation for the rich history and tradition of scouting that has touched so many lives over the past 100 years. The lessons young men learn as scouts help guide them throughout their lives.

In scouting, you learn to do a good deed everyday. The world would be a better place if we all lived by this simple creed. In scouting, you learn to leave your campsite in better shape than you found it. Many scouts grow up to be leaders in their communities or here in the United States Congress and strive to leave things better than they found them.

For a century now, scouting has helped to instill in young men the values of good conduct, respect for others and honesty. Scouting has taught young men skills that will last a lifetime, including basic outdoors skills, first aid, citizenship, leadership, and how to get along with others. Scouting teaches the values and knowledge to become leaders in our communities and our country.

Madam Speaker, the lives of millions of young men, including many members of this chamber, have benefited from their experiences in scouting. Too often, the valuable contribution of scouting to our communities and to the development of future leaders goes unrecognized. As the Hiawathaland Council gathers in Marquette, Michigan this weekend to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Boy Scouts of America on 100 years of scouting.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Spc. Jonathan M. French of Chassell, who, despite significant injuries, prevailed in his service to our country. Spc. French is being honored on May 15 as Grand Marshal in the 5th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade of Thanks in Hancock, Michigan. As the community pays tribute to Jonathan, I ask that the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring his service.

As a high school student at Saginaw Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan, Jonathan was an avid hockey player. He continued the sport while attending Michigan Technological University, in Houghton, Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in geological engineering as well as a master's degree in civil engineering. He went on to play hockey with the Portage Lake Pioneers as part of the Great Lakes Hockey League, which won three national championships.

Then, in 2007 Jonathan made the decision to swap hockey skates for combat boots, enlisting in the Michigan National Guard 1431st Engineer Company (Sapper). Although he was eligible for the officer training program, he chose to retain his enlisted status in order to fight on the frontlines. Shortly after enlisting, Jonathan was deployed to Afghanistan with his unit.

While in Afghanistan Jonathan was severely injured when a rocket propelled grenade exploded. Despite extensive internal and external injuries, Jonathan ``finished the fight'' he was engaged in--a testament to his Yooper fortitude. He returned home, to face a new fight--a fight for his life--successfully undergoing a series of extensive surgeries.

Jonathan is now in vocational rehabilitation and is transitioning back into his position as a civil engineer and project manager with the Baraga Telephone Company. Throughout it all, his wife Margaret, whom he married on June 7, 2003, has been by his side when possible and with him in spirit when distance separated them.

Since his decision to enlist, Jonathan has shown grace, courage, humility and bravery. He has continued to serve in his community, volunteering as a Hunter Safety instructor and mentoring local youth. Serving as Grand Marshal in the Parade of Thanks is a fitting tribute for all that Jonathan has given to his country and his community.

Madam Speaker, the Parade of Thanks is a chance to honor the men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation with honor and with dignity. Without their courage and sacrifices, the United States could not be the great nation we are today. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in thanking Spc. Jonathan M. French on his commitment and service and applaud him on being named Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces Day Parade of Thanks.